Korea University Guro Hospital team receives Science and Technology Outstanding Paper Award

A research team led by Professor Choi Eui-kyung of the Department of Pediatrics and Research Professor Kang Min-woong of the Biomedical Research Institute at Korea University Guro Hospital has been awarded the 36th Science and Technology Outstanding Paper Award by the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies.

The award recognizes their large-scale national study titled ‘Breastfeeding Trends and Related Factors in Korean Infants (2007–2021): A Nationwide Study Using Infant Health Examination Data.’ Analyzing data from approximately 4.54 million infants via the National Health Insurance Service, the study revealed a significant decline in breastfeeding rates in South Korea. Specifically, the exclusive breastfeeding rate for infants aged 4 to 6 months dropped from 45.6% in 2007 to 15.4% in 2020, reaching only 8.8% by 2021.

The research identified several factors influencing these trends, noting that low birth weight, premature birth, and multiple births significantly decrease the likelihood of breastfeeding. Additionally, lower breastfeeding rates were observed in rural areas and among lower-income households. The study provides a foundation for developing customized support policies and management systems to address these socioeconomic and biological disparities.